Everything and more about gardening in Shady's SE Iowa (USA) location.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Green Thumb - Monday?

I've misplaced the name of this begonia.However, I must tell you it was blooming when I purchased it,and it's still blooming 1 1/2 years later!

I put it in a shady spot outdoors this past summer, and it loved it.

Before we go to the next photograph -- do you see what I see?

Guess it loves me back!And I'll forward the heart to you.:-)

Whoa! What in the world?

Euphorbia milii

is commonly called the Crown of Thorns (associated with the crown of thorns worn by Jesus Christ) is a woody member of the Euphorbia family, originally from Madagascar. The plant was introduced in France in 1821. It is a succulent climbing shrub that will grow to four to 6 feet tall. There are several plant varieties having different colored flowers. This variety is the one with which I am most familiar.

This is also an easy-care houseplant which likes bright light. Let the soil dry before watering. It will tolerate low to medium humidity and warm to high temperatures. (It's tolerating cool conditions this winter in my home!)

You saw the sharp spikes that do hurt upon contact (handle carefully)! A cut stem will produce a milky sap. This sap is somewhat poisonous (don't ingest) and can cause an irritating skin reaction.

I do love the pink flowers on your Euphorbia 'crown of thorns'! My experience with Euphorbia is 'Blackbird' which is out in my front garden, currently tolerating the freezing conditions very well! I think your variety would be lovely in my family room. I will have to look for one!